The HNC/HND Music is an SQA Higher Education (university level) qualification that is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree. The course allows you to focus on music performance and the music industry, and is aimed at singer-songwriters, vocalists, guitarists, drummers, keyboard and bass players.

HOW LONG IS IT FOR?

It is a full-time 6-term course studied over 2 years. The HNC is studied in the first year and the HND in the second year.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The course will suit experienced musicians of any age (16+) who have at least three to four years of playing experience and want to refine their instrumental technique to professional standard; develop songwriting, composing and music arranging skills, and gain business knowledge and contacts to manage their career in the music industry effectively. You should be a confident, skilled performer able to sight-read notation, improvise competently and adapt to a range of musical genres. Prior experience of playing/singing in front of an audience is essential, as is a good understanding of the modern music industry. In addition, you will need to have Higher Music and Higher English, or a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music. We will consider all applicants on individual merit, but we assess your musical experience by way of audition.

Students who have previously completed the HNC Music course at another institution are welcome to apply for the second year HND programme.

WHAT DO I COME OUT WITH AT THE END?

You will have a grade between A-C depending on the quality of your Graded Unit projects.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The HND Music is equivalent to the second year of an undergraduate degree in music; and can lead to entry into a 3rd year of a degree. It may also help you on your way to a career as a musical performer, music teacher, songwriter, producer, music journalist, band manager, sound engineer and session musician.

WHERE IS THIS COURSE AVAILABLE?

Glasgow and Edinburgh

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL I STUDY?

Here are just some of the areas that you will experience. You will:

• Study your instrument in a series of instrument-specific classes (i.e. guitarists will study with guitarists, singers with singers etc).

•Compose, arrange and record your own music using iMac/Pro-Tools software in our own in-house recording studio.

•Perform live in a band every week; learn at least two new songs every week, and perfect your rehearsal techniques.

•Discover how the music industry works and what job opportunities there are for you.

•Become familiar with music theory.

•Perform at a gig at least once a term.

In the second year, you will also explore synchronisation (creating a soundtrack to a film), fine-tune your skills as a session musician, and gain experience giving one-to-one lessons as a music tutor.